Story Reader / Event Story / Magpie's Fortune / Story
How long do these rations last?
Normally, they last around twenty days. If you have vacuum-sealed bags, they can keep for a year, though the flavor does lose some of its punch.
Hmm... how much is this?
This one's just 20!
Could I take it for 15?
Uh... 19. I can't go any lower.
Then let's settle on 16.
The vendor's face looks troubled, clearly torn by the bargaining.
Eighteen? Sorry, that's the absolute lowest I can go!
Hmm... You know what? Forget it. I'm not buying.
Sophia says this with a blank expression, takes your hand, and turns away.
Commandant, let's go.
As the two of you start walking away, Sophia quietly murmurs something to herself.
3...
2...
One...
Seventeen! Let's settle on seventeen—go on, take it.
The vendor calls out from behind, and Sophia quickly spins around.
Sure, I'll take one...
Sophia steals a quick glance over here.
I'll take two.
Sophia comes over with two rations in hand and offers you one.
Here.
Seeing you take it, she slips the other one into a small pouch.
Over there—raisins.
High in sugar and easy to store—this stuff makes perfect rations.
She gestures to another stall, and you walk over there with Sophia.
Once Sophia stocks up on long-lasting provisions, she brings you to a small house.
I rented this place.
Inside, there are various supplies and tools.
Sophia pulls out that small pouch of food and sets it on the workbench. She starts portioning and packing the groceries she just bought, taking care to organize them neatly.
I'm preparing emergency rations. I don't want to starve.
Sophia pauses for a split second—barely noticeable—then continues what she's doing.
Back on the train... I used to get hungry.
I'm not getting hungry now, but the old habit from those days still sticks with me.
Whenever I get a free moment, I hand out some of the reserve rations to the kids on the train.
She works with practiced ease, swiftly packing different foods into vacuum-sealed bags and cans, then arranging them neatly in a backpack.
Finally, Sophia hands you the emergency rations she's just prepared.
For you, Commandant.
Going hungry... feels awful.
I don't want you to suffer like that.
